Art, Law, and Cultural Heritage: A Conversation with Stephen W. Clark Students of the Master in Art Law had the opportunity to engage with Stephen W. Clark, Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary of the J. Paul Getty Trust, on some of the most complex legal issues in the art world.
Ephemeral Art & Copyright Clark explored the legal challenges surrounding ephemeral artworks, citing Felix Gonzalez-Torres' installation as an example of the difficulties in preserving interactive and temporary pieces. He also addressed copyright law, particularly regarding the use of images from the Getty Museum by other institutions, highlighting the delicate balance between accessibility and intellectual property rights.
Restitution and International Disputes A major topic of discussion was art restitution, with a focus on the ongoing dispute over the "Atleta di Fano" (Getty Bronze). Clark examined the legal arguments behind ownership claims, shedding light on the global implications of cultural property disputes.
The discussion sparked deep engagement among students, opening new perspectives on the protection of artistic heritage and the evolving role of law in the art world.